Post by rm67 on Sept 4, 2024 7:11:24 GMT 3
Grand Seiko Revives Hi-Beat 45GS with New References SLGW004 and SLGW005
Reviving one of the most important GS luxury fake Watches in history, with a modern movement and double-signed dial.
In 2013, to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Seiko Group watchmaking, Grand Seiko reissued the iconic 44GS in a limited edition of 700 pieces in stainless steel (SBGW047) and 70 pieces each in white, yellow and rose gold (SBGW043, SBGW044, SBGW046). This reissue perfectly recreates the classic look and underscores the model's enduring significance. With the launch of the new references SLGW004 and SLGW005, Grand Seiko is focusing on the 45GS (4520-8000), marking its importance as a model that embodies the brand's unique case and dial design codes and showcases its expertise in the development of high-frequency movements. These elements have always been at the heart of Grand Seiko, and it is fitting that the brand continues to pay tribute to watches that successfully combine them. Now, this great example of 1960s Japanese watchmaking is finally getting the attention it deserves, with a modernized model featuring a long-forgotten dual-logo dial (Seiko and Grand Seiko).
Background
The 45GS is a remarkable Grand Seiko model, released in 1968, just one year after the iconic 44GS, a turning point for the brand that showcased new design philosophies in line with the design codes, or “design grammars”, established in 1962 by the brand's forward-thinking designer, Taro Tanaka. These standards dictated the aesthetic of every visible component (case and dial) in all future Grand Seiko creations, with a focus on maximizing the interplay of light, reflections and shadows to enhance beauty and legibility. The 45GS perfectly embodies this “grammar of design” principle, but what really sets the 45GS apart is its manual-winding high-frequency movement, which beats at 36,000 vibrations per hour, outperforming the 44GS's caliber 4420B, which beats at 18,000 vibrations per hour. This makes the 45GS manufactured by Dai-Ni Seikosha the first manual-winding high-frequency timepiece in the Grand Seiko line, alongside the automatic 61GS high-frequency movement introduced by Suwa Seikosha in the same year. replica automatic watches
The 45GS was produced by Dai-Ni Seikosha until 1973 in a variety of styles, including models equipped with the non-date caliber 4520, the time and date caliber 4522 with instant date feed and quick-set function, and the very finely tuned caliber 4580. All of these elegant and classic movements feature a full balance bridge, rapid adjustment and stop-seconds functions, and run at a high frequency of 5Hz (36,000 vibrations per hour).
The 1968 45GS reference 4520-8000 is housed in a stainless steel and yellow gold case, the guise Grand Seiko has chosen for this re-edition. We are pleased to present two models that are faithful to the original 4520-8000 design, the steel SLGW005 and the yellow gold SLGW004, equipped with the latest 9SA4 movement, demonstrating Grand Seiko's evolution in high-precision watchmaking. replica Audemars Piguet Code 11.59
New SLGW004 and SLGW005
The two new Grand Seiko SLGW004 and SLGW005 models are both elegant and functional, demonstrating that Tanaka's design philosophy has stood the test of time. The case size has increased slightly from the original, with the new model measuring 38.8mm in diameter (up from 36.5mm) and 10.4mm thick. The watch's sharp facets and alternating finishes offer a pleasing visual experience from different angles, especially when viewed from the side. The highly polished surfaces, the polished bezel that hosts the box-shaped sapphire crystal, the curved lines and the slightly recessed GS logo crown...all these classic Grand Seiko style elements are present, making these watches a delight to the eye.
They are also very comfortable to wear. The size and proportions are perfect for this type of watch; they feel comfortable on the wrist. Both the stainless steel and gold versions exude an understated elegance that will satisfy those who appreciate fine craftsmanship. With just a slight turn of the wrist, these timepieces can reveal their fascinating light and shadow, as is customary with Grand Seiko pieces. replica Ulysse Nardin Marine watches
The dials continue their visual appeal, too, with either a flawless white opal dial or a cream dial with gold hour markers, hands and applique logos on the gold dial. The minute track is legible, and the diamond-cut, faceted-polished hour markers and classic Grand Seiko hands pay homage to the original. Like the 1968 reference 45GS, the new Grand Seiko SLGW004 and SLGW005 versions feature a Seiko logo applique beneath the distinctive twin hour markers at 12 o'clock—something that hasn't been seen in the collection since Grand Seiko became independent from Seiko in 2017.
You'll find the GS logo, the “Hi-Beat” and “36000” logos, and the lightning bolt logo of the Daini Seiko factory at six o'clock. Interestingly, the 44GS series in the Grand Seiko Heritage collection, which pays homage to the original 1967 model, no longer features a twin-signed dial. The return of this detail in the new models is sure to resonate with collectors. replica Breitling Watches
As mentioned earlier, the new Grand Seiko SLGW004 and SLGW005 models are driven by the latest manual-winding 9SA4 calibre - the brand's first manual-winding 5Hz movement in 50 years, introduced earlier this year with the SLGW002 and SLGW003 models - which can be admired through a display caseback - a departure from the original solid caseback with a gold emblem, but a welcome update indeed. Running at 36,000 vibrations per hour, this high-frequency movement is based on Grand Seiko's 9SA5 automatic calibre; it retains the brand's Double Impulse escapement and features a new manual-winding system. It offers impressive performance thanks to its twin-barrel construction, with an accuracy of -3/+5 seconds per day and a power reserve of up to 80 hours. The power reserve indicator is visible on the side of the movement, marked by a small blue needle.
The movement is beautifully decorated, featuring elegant pinstripe, perlage on the mainplate, bevelled bridges, gold engraving and a delicate ratchet. The movement's click is a unique detail, located on the side of the movement at 6 o'clock and shaped like a wagtail bird – a nod to the native bird species of the region where the GS Studio Shizukuishi manufacture is located.
The new Grand Seiko SLGW004 and SLGW005 models are available with a brown or black alligator leather strap with a gold or steel buckle to match the case material. replica Jacob & Co. epic x chrono
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS – GRAND SEIKO HERITAGE 45GS RE-CREATION SLGW005 & SLGW004
Case: 38.8mm diameter x 10.4mm thickness - stainless steel or 18k yellow gold case - Zaratsu polished with brushed finish - box-shaped sapphire crystal - transparent case back - 30m water resistant
Dial: silvery white or opaline dial - steel or 18k gold applied hour markers and hands, faceted and polished
Movement: 9SA4 - new manual-winding movement based on automatic 9SA5 - in-house - accuracy - 3/+5 seconds per day - 47 jewels - double barrel construction, 80 hours power reserve - double impulse escapement - hours, minutes, central seconds, power reserve on the back
Strap: alligator leather strap - stainless steel or 18k Rose gold buckle
Reference: SLGW004 - Yellow gold
SLGW005 - Stainless steel
Reviving one of the most important GS luxury fake Watches in history, with a modern movement and double-signed dial.
In 2013, to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Seiko Group watchmaking, Grand Seiko reissued the iconic 44GS in a limited edition of 700 pieces in stainless steel (SBGW047) and 70 pieces each in white, yellow and rose gold (SBGW043, SBGW044, SBGW046). This reissue perfectly recreates the classic look and underscores the model's enduring significance. With the launch of the new references SLGW004 and SLGW005, Grand Seiko is focusing on the 45GS (4520-8000), marking its importance as a model that embodies the brand's unique case and dial design codes and showcases its expertise in the development of high-frequency movements. These elements have always been at the heart of Grand Seiko, and it is fitting that the brand continues to pay tribute to watches that successfully combine them. Now, this great example of 1960s Japanese watchmaking is finally getting the attention it deserves, with a modernized model featuring a long-forgotten dual-logo dial (Seiko and Grand Seiko).
Background
The 45GS is a remarkable Grand Seiko model, released in 1968, just one year after the iconic 44GS, a turning point for the brand that showcased new design philosophies in line with the design codes, or “design grammars”, established in 1962 by the brand's forward-thinking designer, Taro Tanaka. These standards dictated the aesthetic of every visible component (case and dial) in all future Grand Seiko creations, with a focus on maximizing the interplay of light, reflections and shadows to enhance beauty and legibility. The 45GS perfectly embodies this “grammar of design” principle, but what really sets the 45GS apart is its manual-winding high-frequency movement, which beats at 36,000 vibrations per hour, outperforming the 44GS's caliber 4420B, which beats at 18,000 vibrations per hour. This makes the 45GS manufactured by Dai-Ni Seikosha the first manual-winding high-frequency timepiece in the Grand Seiko line, alongside the automatic 61GS high-frequency movement introduced by Suwa Seikosha in the same year. replica automatic watches
The 45GS was produced by Dai-Ni Seikosha until 1973 in a variety of styles, including models equipped with the non-date caliber 4520, the time and date caliber 4522 with instant date feed and quick-set function, and the very finely tuned caliber 4580. All of these elegant and classic movements feature a full balance bridge, rapid adjustment and stop-seconds functions, and run at a high frequency of 5Hz (36,000 vibrations per hour).
The 1968 45GS reference 4520-8000 is housed in a stainless steel and yellow gold case, the guise Grand Seiko has chosen for this re-edition. We are pleased to present two models that are faithful to the original 4520-8000 design, the steel SLGW005 and the yellow gold SLGW004, equipped with the latest 9SA4 movement, demonstrating Grand Seiko's evolution in high-precision watchmaking. replica Audemars Piguet Code 11.59
New SLGW004 and SLGW005
The two new Grand Seiko SLGW004 and SLGW005 models are both elegant and functional, demonstrating that Tanaka's design philosophy has stood the test of time. The case size has increased slightly from the original, with the new model measuring 38.8mm in diameter (up from 36.5mm) and 10.4mm thick. The watch's sharp facets and alternating finishes offer a pleasing visual experience from different angles, especially when viewed from the side. The highly polished surfaces, the polished bezel that hosts the box-shaped sapphire crystal, the curved lines and the slightly recessed GS logo crown...all these classic Grand Seiko style elements are present, making these watches a delight to the eye.
They are also very comfortable to wear. The size and proportions are perfect for this type of watch; they feel comfortable on the wrist. Both the stainless steel and gold versions exude an understated elegance that will satisfy those who appreciate fine craftsmanship. With just a slight turn of the wrist, these timepieces can reveal their fascinating light and shadow, as is customary with Grand Seiko pieces. replica Ulysse Nardin Marine watches
The dials continue their visual appeal, too, with either a flawless white opal dial or a cream dial with gold hour markers, hands and applique logos on the gold dial. The minute track is legible, and the diamond-cut, faceted-polished hour markers and classic Grand Seiko hands pay homage to the original. Like the 1968 reference 45GS, the new Grand Seiko SLGW004 and SLGW005 versions feature a Seiko logo applique beneath the distinctive twin hour markers at 12 o'clock—something that hasn't been seen in the collection since Grand Seiko became independent from Seiko in 2017.
You'll find the GS logo, the “Hi-Beat” and “36000” logos, and the lightning bolt logo of the Daini Seiko factory at six o'clock. Interestingly, the 44GS series in the Grand Seiko Heritage collection, which pays homage to the original 1967 model, no longer features a twin-signed dial. The return of this detail in the new models is sure to resonate with collectors. replica Breitling Watches
As mentioned earlier, the new Grand Seiko SLGW004 and SLGW005 models are driven by the latest manual-winding 9SA4 calibre - the brand's first manual-winding 5Hz movement in 50 years, introduced earlier this year with the SLGW002 and SLGW003 models - which can be admired through a display caseback - a departure from the original solid caseback with a gold emblem, but a welcome update indeed. Running at 36,000 vibrations per hour, this high-frequency movement is based on Grand Seiko's 9SA5 automatic calibre; it retains the brand's Double Impulse escapement and features a new manual-winding system. It offers impressive performance thanks to its twin-barrel construction, with an accuracy of -3/+5 seconds per day and a power reserve of up to 80 hours. The power reserve indicator is visible on the side of the movement, marked by a small blue needle.
The movement is beautifully decorated, featuring elegant pinstripe, perlage on the mainplate, bevelled bridges, gold engraving and a delicate ratchet. The movement's click is a unique detail, located on the side of the movement at 6 o'clock and shaped like a wagtail bird – a nod to the native bird species of the region where the GS Studio Shizukuishi manufacture is located.
The new Grand Seiko SLGW004 and SLGW005 models are available with a brown or black alligator leather strap with a gold or steel buckle to match the case material. replica Jacob & Co. epic x chrono
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS – GRAND SEIKO HERITAGE 45GS RE-CREATION SLGW005 & SLGW004
Case: 38.8mm diameter x 10.4mm thickness - stainless steel or 18k yellow gold case - Zaratsu polished with brushed finish - box-shaped sapphire crystal - transparent case back - 30m water resistant
Dial: silvery white or opaline dial - steel or 18k gold applied hour markers and hands, faceted and polished
Movement: 9SA4 - new manual-winding movement based on automatic 9SA5 - in-house - accuracy - 3/+5 seconds per day - 47 jewels - double barrel construction, 80 hours power reserve - double impulse escapement - hours, minutes, central seconds, power reserve on the back
Strap: alligator leather strap - stainless steel or 18k Rose gold buckle
Reference: SLGW004 - Yellow gold
SLGW005 - Stainless steel